Ankle fixation system

ABSTRACT

In an example, a clamping assembly includes a longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, the second end defining a first clamp, a second clamp configured to attach to the first end of the longitudinal member and connect to a rod assembly, a clamping member including a first end, a second end defining a spherical portion, and a third clamp, where the first clamp of the longitudinal member is configured to receive the second end of the clamping member.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/180,758, filed on Jun. 17, 2015, the benefit ofpriority of which is claimed hereby, and which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, tosystems, devices and methods for external fixation of joints and/orfractured bones.

BACKGROUND

The systems, devices and methods described in this disclosure may beused for stabilization of a traumatic injury until a long-termstabilization device can be applied. Short-term or temporarystabilization may allow soft tissues to recover from trauma prior todefinitive skeletal fixation; for example, reduction of swelling,healing of open wounds, and/or healing of skin abrasions prior to openreduction and internal fixation. External fixation may also be used whentransportation is required from the site of initial care, such as alocal or rural hospital to a secondary site with appropriate traumacapabilities, such as a regional trauma center. Short-term stabilizationmay also be used for injuries that occur during periods of time whenappropriate trauma care is not available, such as after hours, until askilled clinician becomes available. Short-term stabilization may beappropriate in battlefield or field hospital situations. There is a needfor external fixation systems and methods which are simple, easy, andaffordable.

OVERVIEW

In an example, this disclosure is directed to a clamping assemblycomprising a longitudinal member having a first end and a second end,the second end defining a first clamp; a second clamp configured toattach to the first end of the longitudinal member and connect to a rodassembly; a clamping member including a first end, a second end defininga spherical portion, and a third clamp, wherein the first clamp of thelongitudinal member is configured to receive the second end of theclamping member.

In another example, this disclosure is directed to a metatarsal bone pinclamping assembly comprising: a longitudinal member having a first endand a second end, the second end defining a first clamp, the first clampincluding a spherical clamping surface; a U-shaped clamp configured toattach to the first end of the longitudinal member and connect to a rodassembly; a clamping member including a first end, a second end defininga spherical portion configured to expand, and a third clamp; a firstfixation bolt extending through a portion of the clamping member and thespherical portion; a nut configured to receive an end of the firstfixation bolt; and a first bone pin locking member including a sphericalportion, wherein the first clamp of the longitudinal member isconfigured to receive the second end of the clamping member, wherein thespherical clamping surface of the first clamp is configured to receivethe spherical portion and form a polyaxial joint between the clampingmember and the longitudinal member, wherein the spherical portion isconfigured to expand when the first fixation bolt is turned and the nutis pulled into the spherical portion, and wherein the third clampincludes a spherical clamping surface configured to receive thespherical portion of the first bone pin locking member and form apolyaxial joint between the clamping member and a first bone pin.

In another example, this disclosure is directed to an external fixationsystem comprising: a first clamp assembly; a second clamp assembly; arod assembly secured to and extending between the first clamp assemblyand the second clamp assembly, the first rod assembly including a firsttubular member and a second tubular member received in the first tubularmember; and a bone pin clamping assembly comprising: a longitudinalmember having a first end and a second end, the second end defining afirst clamp; a second clamp configured to attach to the first end of thelongitudinal member and connect to the rod assembly; a clamping memberincluding a first end, a second end defining a spherical portion, and athird clamp, wherein the first clamp of the longitudinal member isconfigured to receive the second end of the clamping member.

In another example, this disclosure is directed to a method for externalfixation of a limb, the limb having a first bone portion, the methodcomprising: securing a first bone pin to the first bone portion;attaching a pre-assembled external fixation system to the first bonepin, the external fixation system comprising a rod assembly; securing asecond bone pin to a bone in a foot; attaching a clamping assembly tothe rod assembly, the clamping assembly comprising: a longitudinalmember having a first end and a second end, the second end defining afirst clamp; a second clamp configured to attach to the first end of thelongitudinal member and connect to the rod assembly; a clamping memberincluding a first end, a second end defining a spherical portion, a bonepin locking member, and a third clamp configured to receive the bone pinlocking member, wherein the first clamp of the longitudinal member isconfigured to receive the second end of the clamping member; aligningthe bone pin locking member of the clamping assembly with the secondbone pin; inserting the second bone pin into the bone pin locking memberof the clamping assembly; and securing the bone pin locking member ofthe clamping assembly to the second bone pin.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter ofthe present patent application. It is not intended to provide anexclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detaileddescription is included to provide further information about the presentpatent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an external fixation system, secured toa tibia, a calcaneus, and a metatarsal, in accordance with thisdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the external fixation system of FIG. 1, inaccordance with this disclosure. For purposes of conciseness, FIG. 2will not be described separately.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the external fixation system of FIGS. 1 and 2,in accordance with this disclosure. For purposes of conciseness, FIG. 3will not be described separately.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the clamping assembly 108 of the externalfixation system of FIGS. 1-3.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict perspective views of the clamping assembly 108 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping assembly 108 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example of a clamping strut assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an external fixation system, inaccordance with this disclosure. The external fixation system 100 ofFIG. 1 can be configured to immobilize an ankle joint, for example. Inthe example configuration depicted in FIG. 1, the external fixationsystem 100 can include a clamp assembly 102, a first rod assembly 104, asecond rod assembly 106, a bone pin clamping assembly 108, a firstclamping strut assembly 110, a second clamping strut assembly 112, and akickstand member 114.

The clamp assembly 102 of FIG. 1 can include a clamp body 116 configuredto receive one or more bone pins 118A, 118B, and having a first clamp120 and a second clamp 122. The first clamp 120 is configured to receivean end of the first rod assembly 104 and the second clamp 122 isconfigured to receive an end of the second rod assembly 106. An exampleclamp assembly 102 is described in detail in commonly assigned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/456,407, titled “External Fixation”, toTriplett et al. and filed on Aug. 11, 2014, the entire content of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

The first rod assembly 104 can include an outer or first tubular element124, an inner or second tubular element 126, a locking screw 128, and arod clamp assembly 130. The first tubular element 124 has a first end132 and a second end 134 and shaft 136 extending therebetween. Thesecond tubular element 126 has a first end 138 and a second end 140 anda shaft 142 extending therebetween. The first tubular element 124 islarger in diameter than and coaxially receives a portion of the secondtubular element 126. The tubular elements may be circular incross-section as shown, or, in other embodiments, may be square,rectangular, triangular, or any other polygonal shape in cross-section.The tubular elements may also be referred to as rods, rod elements, orrod members.

The second rod assembly 106 is substantially similar to the first rodassembly 104 and, for purposes of conciseness, will not be describedseparately.

The first clamping strut assembly 110, shown in more detail in FIG. 7,can include a first clamp 144 configured to receive an end 132 of thefirst rod assembly 104. The first clamping strut assembly 110 caninclude a first fixation bolt 146 that, when tightened, securinglyengages the end 132 of the first rod assembly 104. The first clampingstrut assembly 110 can further include a second clamp 148 configured tosecuringly engage one or more bone pins 150A, 150B, e.g., calcanealpins. As a fixation bolt is tightened (shown at 228 in FIG. 7), the bonepins 150A, 150B can be secured between a plate 152 and a body 154 of thefirst clamping strut assembly 110.

The second clamping strut assembly 112 is substantially similar to thefirst clamping strut assembly 110 and, for purposes of conciseness, willnot be described separately.

The system 100 of FIG. 1 can further include a kickstand member 114. Thekickstand member 114 can be affixed to the first clamping strut assembly110 using a second fixation bolt 156 and to the second clamping strutassembly 112 using a third fixation bolt (not depicted in FIG. 1). Whenthe second and third fixation bolts are loosened, the kickstand member114 can be rotated behind the patient's heel (as shown in FIG. 1) orunder the patient's foot (not depicted).

When the kickstand member 114 is rotated under the foot, a clinician,e.g., physician, can grip the kickstand member, e.g., at portion 158,and pull axially in order to get traction on the patient's ankle whilesetting the ankle fracture. When the kickstand member 114 is rotatedbehind the patient's ankle (as shown in FIG. 1), the patient's foot canbe elevated to improve blood flow, for example.

In the example configuration shown in FIG. 1, the kickstand member 114is not attached to the bone pins 150A, 150B extending into the patient'sheel. Rather, the kickstand member 114 can include a portion 160 thatcan allow the member 114 to clear or avoid the bone pins 150A, 150B asthe member 114 is rotated behind the heel.

As mentioned above, in some configurations, the system 100 can includethe bone pin clamping assembly 108, which is shown and described in moredetail below with respect to FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, and 6. As described inmore detail below, the bone pin clamping assembly 108 can provide apolyaxially rotating clamp, thereby providing increased range of motionand degrees of freedom over existing clamp design.

Advantageously, the increased range of motion and degrees of freedomprovided by the bone pin clamping assembly 108 of this disclosure caneliminate the need for a spanning member that extends across a patient'sfoot, such as the spanning member 808 in FIG. 12 in commonly assignedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/961,729, titled “External Fixation”,to Myers et al. and filed on Aug. 7, 2013, the entire content of whichis incorporated herein by reference. The spanning member can obstruct aphysician's view and can also interfere with the healing process, e.g.,as the foot swells.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the external fixation system of FIG. 1, inaccordance with this disclosure. For purposes of conciseness, FIG. 2will not be described separately.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the external fixation system of FIGS. 1 and 2,in accordance with this disclosure. For purposes of conciseness, FIG. 3will not be described separately. It should be noted that the clampingassembly 108 of FIGS. 1-3 is optional.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the clamping assembly 108 of the externalfixation system of FIGS. 1-3. The clamping assembly 108 can include alongitudinal member 162 having a first end 164 and a second end 166. Asseen in FIG. 4, the second end 166 of the longitudinal member 162 candefine a first clamp 168.

The clamping assembly 108 can include a second clamp 170 configured toattach to the first end 164 of the longitudinal member 162 and connectto a rod assembly, e.g., rod assembly 106 of FIG. 1. In some exampleconfigurations, the second clamp can be a U-shaped clamp.

In some example configurations, the second clamp 170 can be configuredto frictionally engage a rod assembly, e.g., rod assembly 106 of FIG. 1.For example, the clamping assembly 108 can include a first fixation bolt172 configured to extend through the first end 164 of the longitudinalmember 162 and at least a portion of the second clamp 170. The firstfixation bolt 172 can be secured using a nut 174, for example. Whentightened, the first fixation bolt 172 can pull the sides of the secondclamp 170 together, thereby securing the clamp 170 to the rod assembly106.

The clamping assembly 108 can include a bone pin clamping member 176including a first end 178, a second end 180 defining a sphericalportion, and at least a third clamp 182. The third clamp 182 can beconfigured to receive a first bone pin, e.g., a metatarsal bone pin. Theexample configuration shown in FIG. 4 can include a fourth clamp 184configured to receive a second bone pin, e.g., a metatarsal bone pin.

In some examples, the first clamp 168 of the longitudinal member 162 caninclude a spherical clamping surface 188 configured to receive thespherical portion of the second end 180 of the clamping member 176. Thespherical clamping surface 188 can include an inner surface configuredto substantially conform to an outer surface of the spherical portion. Aspherical portion can include, for example, a sphere or a truncatedsphere (e.g., a sphere in which two opposing portions are truncated byparallel planes), where at least some of the spherical portion retains aspherical shape. As described in more detail below, the sphericalportion of the second end 180 of the clamping member 176 in combinationwith the first clamp 168 can provide a polyaxial joint between thelongitudinal member 162 and the clamping member 176.

In an example configuration, the clamping member 176 and, in particular,the spherical portion 190 can be secured to the longitudinal member 162using a second fixation bolt 192. In FIG. 4, the second fixation bolt192 can extend through a portion of the clamping member 176. As shown inFIG. 6, the second fixation bolt 192 can extend into the sphericalportion 190, which is configured to receive a first nut 194. As thesecond fixation bolt 192 is turned, the nut 194 is drawn into thespherical portion 190, causing the spherical portion 190 to expandagainst the inner surface of the first clamp 168. In the example shownin FIG. 4, the nut 194 can include tapered sides. The assembly 108 caninclude a second nut 196 to secure the fixation bolt 192. In someexamples, the spherical portion 190 can define one or more slots 198,which can facilitate the expansion of the spherical portion 190.

The clamping assembly 108 can also include a first bone pin lockingmember 200A. In example configurations that include a fourth clamp 184,as shown in FIG. 4, the clamping assembly 108 can include a second bonepin locking member 200B. The first and the second bone pin lockingmembers 200A, 200B are collectively referred to as “bone pin lockingmembers 200” in this disclosure. The bone pin locking members 200 can beconfigured to receive respective bone pins, e.g., metatarsal bone pins(depicted in FIGS. 5A, 5B).

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the bone pin locking members 200 caninclude a spherical portion. The third clamp 182 can include a sphericalclamping surface 202 configured to receive a spherical portion 204 ofthe first bone pin locking member 200A and form a polyaxial jointbetween the clamping member 176 and a first bone pin. The sphericalportion 204 of the first bone pin locking member 200A can be configuredto compress when the third clamp 182 contracts.

Similarly, the fourth clamp 184 can include a spherical clamping surface206 configured to receive a spherical portion 208 of the second bone pinlocking member 200B and form a polyaxial joint between the clampingmember 176 and a second bone pin. The spherical portion 208 of thesecond bone pin locking member 200B can be configured to compress whenthe fourth clamp 184 contracts.

As seen in FIG. 4, the clamping member 176 can define a first gap 210and a second gap 212. When the second fixation bolt 192 is turned andthe nut 194 is pulled into the spherical portion 190 of the second end180, the first gap 210 closes and the third clamp 182 contracts againstthe spherical portion 204 of the first bone pin locking member 200A.Similarly, in configurations including a fourth clamp (as shown in FIG.4), when the second fixation bolt 192 is turned and the nut 194 ispulled into the spherical portion 190 of the second end 180, the secondgap 212 closes and the fourth clamp 184 contracts against the sphericalportion 190 of the second bone pin locking member 200B, causing thecontraction of the spherical portion of the bone pin locking members200. The bone pin locking members 200 contract against the bone pinsextending through the bone pin locking members 200 (depicted in FIGS.5A, 5B).

In some examples, the spherical portion of the bone pin locking members200 can define one or more slots 214, which can facilitate thecontraction of the spherical portion of the bone pin locking members200.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict perspective views of the clamping assembly 108 ofFIG. 1. For purposes of conciseness, FIGS. 5A and 5B will be describedtogether.

The assembled clamping assembly 108 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B depicts thefirst bone pin locking member 200A and the second bone pin lockingmember 200B securing, respectively, a first bone 216A and a second bonepin 216B (collectively referred to as bone pins 216 in this disclosure),within the third clamp 182 and the fourth clamp 184. As mentioned above,the third clamp 182 can include a spherical clamping surface configuredto receive a spherical portion of the first bone pin locking member 200Aand form a polyaxial joint 218A between the clamping member 176 and thefirst bone pin 200A, and, similarly, the fourth clamp 184 can include aspherical clamping surface configured to receive a spherical portion ofthe second bone pin locking member 200B and form a polyaxial joint 218Bbetween the clamping member and a second bone pin 216B.

In some example implementations, the multiple polyaxial joints, e.g.,joint 218A, joint 218B, and joint 220 best shown FIG. 5B, of theclamping assembly 108 can advantageously allow a physician, for example,to secure the first bone pin 216A and the second bone pin 216B into apatient's foot, e.g., a metatarsal, and then attach the clampingassembly 108, if desired. The physician can select an optimum placementof the bone pins because the clamping assembly 108 can be easily securedto the bone pins 216, regardless of their orientation, after the bonepins 216 are secured. The physician is not limited by the clampingassembly 108 when selecting locations for bone pin placement.

After the bone pins 216 are secured to the bone(s), the physician canattach the second clamp 170 of the clamping assembly 108 to a rodassembly, e.g., rod assembly 106 of FIG. 1), adjust the clamping member176 (via the polyaxial joint 220) to align the clamping member 176 withthe bone pins 216, insert the bone pins 216 into respective bone pinlocking members 200, and then tighten the fixation bolt 192 to securethe bone pins 216 within the third clamp 182 and the fourth clamp 184.Alternatively, in some example implementations, the physician can firstattach the clamping assembly 108 and then secure the bone pins 216 tothe bone(s).

An example method of external fixation of a limb can include securing afirst bone pin to the first bone portion, e.g., a portion of a tibia 222of FIG. 1. Then, a pre-assembled external fixation system, including arod assembly, can be attached to the first bone pin, e.g., bone pin 118Aof the external fixation system 100 of FIG. 1. The physician can securea second bone pin to a bone in a foot, e.g., bone pin 216A of FIGS. 5A,5B. The physician can attach a clamping assembly to the rod assembly,e.g., the clamping assembly 108 of FIGS. 5A, 5B. When the clampingassembly is adjusted and/or positioned via the polyaxial joints to reachthe second bone pin, the second bone pin 216A can be attached to thebone pin locking member 200A of the clamping assembly, and then theclamping assembly can be secured, e.g., the clamps tightened to preventfurther adjustment or movement.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping assembly 108 of FIG. 1.As mentioned above, the second end 180 of the clamping member 176defines a spherical portion that is configured to receive the nut 194.In the example configuration of FIG. 6, the spherical portion 190configured to receive the nut 194 defines a tapered aperture 224. Insome examples, the tapered aperture 224 can taper from a first dimensionat an outer portion to a second dimension toward a center of thespherical portion, where the first dimension is larger than the seconddimension.

As the fixation bolt 192 is turned, the nut 194 is pulled inward towardthe center of the spherical portion 190. In some examples, to facilitatethe movement of the nut 194 toward the center of the spherical portion190, the sides of the nut 194 can be tapered to correspond to thetapered aperture 224. As the nut 194 is pulled inward toward the centerof the spherical portion 190, the nut 194 causes the spherical portion190 to expand outwardly against the first clamp 168 of the longitudinalmember 162.

FIG. 7 depicts an example of a clamping strut assembly, e.g., the firstclamping strut assembly 110 of FIG. 1. The clamping strut assembly 110can include a body 154 having a first clamp 144 configured to receive anend of a rod assembly, e.g., a rod assembly 104 of FIG. 1. A firstfixation bolt 146 can extend through an end of the body 154. Whenturned, the first fixation bolt 146 can close a gap 226 and tighten thefirst clamp 144, thereby securingly engaging an end of the rod assembly.

The clamping strut assembly 110 can further include a second clamp 148having a plate 152, a second fixation bolt 228, and a nut 230 to receivethe bolt 228. When the second fixation bolt 228 is tightened, the clamp148 is configured to securingly engage one or more bone pins e.g., bonepins 150A, 150B of FIG. 1. In some examples, the bone pins 150A and 150Bcan be calcaneal pins. As the second fixation bolt 228 is tightened, thebone pins 150A, 150B are secured between the plate 152 and the body 154of the first clamping strut assembly 110. In the example shown in FIG.7, the body 154 can define grooves 232A to receive each of the bone pins150. The plate 152 can define similar grooves 232B.

As shown and described above with respect to FIG. 1, the system 100 ofFIG. 1 can include a kickstand member 114 (shown in FIG. 1). The body154 of the clamping strut assembly 110 can include a protrusion 234configured to mate with a corresponding recess or cavity defined by anend of the kickstand member 114. A fixation bolt 156 (shown in FIG. 1)can extend through the end of the kickstand member 114 and through theprotrusion 234 of the clamping strut assembly 110.

In some examples configuration, such as in FIG. 7, the second clamp 148of the clamping strut assembly 110 can be elevated. For example, thebody 154 can include a portion 236, e.g., a sloped portion, that canposition the second clamp 148 above the rest of body 154. As seen inFIG. 1, the raised position of the clamp 148 can allow the bone pins 150to be positioned such that when the kickstand member 114 is rotatedbehind the patient's heel, the bone pins 150 are above the kickstandmember 114 and will not interfere with its movement.

Various Notes and Examples

Example 1 includes subject matter (such as a system, apparatus,assembly) comprising: a longitudinal member having a first end and asecond end, the second end defining a first clamp; a second clampconfigured to attach to the first end of the longitudinal member andconnect to a rod assembly; a clamping member including a first end, asecond end defining a spherical portion, and a third clamp, wherein thefirst clamp of the longitudinal member is configured to receive thesecond end of the clamping member.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include,wherein the first clamp includes a spherical clamping surface, thespherical clamping surface configured to receive the spherical portionand form a polyaxial joint between the clamping member and thelongitudinal member.

In Example 3, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 1 and 2 canoptionally include, wherein the spherical portion is configured toexpand.

In Example 4, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 1-3 canoptionally include, a first fixation bolt extending through a portion ofthe clamping member and the spherical portion; and a nut configured toreceive an end of the first fixation bolt, wherein the spherical portionis configured to receive the nut, and wherein the spherical portion isconfigured to expand when the first fixation bolt is turned and the nutis pulled into the spherical portion.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 can optionally include,wherein the nut is tapered, and wherein the spherical portion configuredto receive the nut defines a tapered aperture that tapers from a firstdimension at an outer portion to a second dimension toward a center ofthe spherical portion, the first dimension larger than the seconddimension.

In Example 6, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 1-5 canoptionally include, wherein the third clamp is configured to contractwhen the first fixation bolt is turned and the nut is pulled into thespherical portion.

In Example 7, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 1-6 canoptionally include, a first bone pin locking member including aspherical portion, wherein the third clamp includes a spherical clampingsurface configured to receive the spherical portion of the first bonepin locking member and form a polyaxial joint between the clampingmember and a first bone pin.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 can optionally include,wherein the spherical portion of the first bone pin locking memberdefines at least one slot.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 can optionally include,wherein the spherical portion of the first bone pin locking member isconfigured to compress when the third clamp contracts.

In Example 10, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 1-9 canoptionally include: a second fixation bolt configured to extend throughthe first end of the longitudinal member and at least a portion of thesecond clamp, wherein the second clamp includes a U-shaped clamp.

In Example 11, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 1-10 canoptionally include, wherein the clamping member further includes afourth clamp, wherein the fourth clamp is configured to contract whenthe first fixation bolt is turned and the nut is pulled into thespherical portion, the clamping assembly comprising: a second bone pinlocking member including a spherical portion, wherein the fourth clampincludes a spherical clamping surface, the spherical clamping surface ofthe fourth clamp configured to receive the spherical portion of thesecond bone pin locking member and form a polyaxial joint between theclamping member and a second bone pin.

In Example 12, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 1-11 canoptionally include, the first bone pin and the second bone pin.

In Example 13, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 1-12 canoptionally include, the rod assembly, the rod assembly configured tosecure to and extend between a first external clamp assembly and asecond external clamp assembly, the rod assembly including a firsttubular member and a second tubular member received in the first tubularmember, wherein the second clamp configured to attach to the first endof the longitudinal member and connect to a rod assembly is configuredto connect to one of the first tubular member and the second tubularmember.

Example 14 includes subject matter (such as a system, apparatus,assembly) comprising a longitudinal member having a first end and asecond end, the second end defining a first clamp, the first clampincluding a spherical clamping surface; a U-shaped clamp configured toattach to the first end of the longitudinal member and connect to a rodassembly; a clamping member including a first end, a second end defininga spherical portion configured to expand, and a third clamp; a firstfixation bolt extending through a portion of the clamping member and thespherical portion; a nut configured to receive an end of the firstfixation bolt; and a first bone pin locking member including a sphericalportion, wherein the first clamp of the longitudinal member isconfigured to receive the second end of the clamping member, wherein thespherical clamping surface of the first clamp is configured to receivethe spherical portion and form a polyaxial joint between the clampingmember and the longitudinal member, wherein the spherical portion isconfigured to expand when the first fixation bolt is turned and the nutis pulled into the spherical portion, and wherein the third clampincludes a spherical clamping surface configured to receive thespherical portion of the first bone pin locking member and form apolyaxial joint between the clamping member and a first bone pin.

Example 15 includes subject matter (such as a system, apparatus,assembly) comprising a first clamp assembly; a second clamp assembly; arod assembly secured to and extending between the first clamp assemblyand the second clamp assembly, the first rod assembly including a firsttubular member and a second tubular member received in the first tubularmember; and a bone pin clamping assembly comprising: a longitudinalmember having a first end and a second end, the second end defining afirst clamp; a second clamp configured to attach to the first end of thelongitudinal member and connect to the rod assembly; a clamping memberincluding a first end, a second end defining a spherical portion, and athird clamp, wherein the first clamp of the longitudinal member isconfigured to receive the second end of the clamping member.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 can optionally include,wherein the first clamp includes a spherical clamping surface, thespherical clamping surface configured to receive the spherical portionand form a polyaxial joint between the clamping member and thelongitudinal member.

In Example 17, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 15-16 canoptionally include, wherein the spherical portion is configured toexpand.

In Example 18, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 15-17, canoptionally include a first fixation bolt extending through a portion ofthe clamping member and the spherical portion; and a nut configured toreceive an end of the first fixation bolt, wherein the spherical portionis configured to receive the nut, and wherein the spherical portion isconfigured to expand when the first fixation bolt is turned and the nutis pulled into the spherical portion.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 can optionally include,wherein the nut is tapered, and wherein the spherical portion configuredto receive the nut defines a tapered aperture that tapers from a firstdimension at an outer portion to a second dimension toward a center ofthe spherical portion, the first dimension larger than the seconddimension.

In Example 20, the subject matter of one or more of Examples 15-19 canoptionally include, wherein the third clamp is configured to contractwhen the first fixation bolt is turned and the nut is pulled into thespherical portion.

Example 20 can include subject matter (such as a method) for externalfixation of a limb, the limb having a first bone portion, the methodcomprising: securing a first bone pin to the first bone portion;attaching a pre-assembled external fixation system to the first bonepin, the external fixation system comprising a rod assembly; securing asecond bone pin to a bone in a foot; attaching a clamping assembly tothe rod assembly, the clamping assembly comprising: a longitudinalmember having a first end and a second end, the second end defining afirst clamp; a second clamp configured to attach to the first end of thelongitudinal member and connect to the rod assembly; a clamping memberincluding a first end, a second end defining a spherical portion, a bonepin locking member, and a third clamp configured to receive the bone pinlocking member, wherein the first clamp of the longitudinal member isconfigured to receive the second end of the clamping member; aligningthe bone pin locking member of the clamping assembly with the secondbone pin; inserting the second bone pin into the bone pin locking memberof the clamping assembly; and securing the bone pin locking member ofthe clamping assembly to the second bone pin.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and anydocuments so incorporated by reference, the usage in this documentcontrols.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on itsown as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that suchembodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The claimed invention is:
 1. A clamping assembly comprising: alongitudinal member having a first end and a second end, the second enddefining a first clamp; a second clamp configured to attach to the firstend of the longitudinal member and connect to a rod assembly; a clampingmember including a first end, a second end defining a spherical portion,and a third clamp, wherein the first clamp of the longitudinal member isconfigured to receive the second end of the clamping member.
 2. Theclamping assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clamp includes aspherical clamping surface, the spherical clamping surface configured toreceive the spherical portion and form a polyaxial joint between theclamping member and the longitudinal member.
 3. The clamping assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the spherical portion is configured to expand.
 4. Theclamping assembly of claim 1, comprising: a first fixation boltextending through a portion of the clamping member and the sphericalportion; and a nut configured to receive an end of the first fixationbolt, wherein the spherical portion is configured to receive the nut,and wherein the spherical portion is configured to expand when the firstfixation bolt is turned and the nut is pulled into the sphericalportion.
 5. The clamping assembly of claim 4, wherein the nut istapered, and wherein the spherical portion configured to receive the nutdefines a tapered aperture that tapers from a first dimension at anouter portion to a second dimension toward a center of the sphericalportion, the first dimension larger than the second dimension.
 6. Theclamping assembly of claim 1, wherein the third clamp is configured tocontract when the first fixation bolt is turned and the nut is pulledinto the spherical portion.
 7. The clamping assembly of claim 1,comprising: a first bone pin locking member including a sphericalportion, wherein the third clamp includes a spherical clamping surfaceconfigured to receive the spherical portion of the first bone pinlocking member and form a polyaxial joint between the clamping memberand a first bone pin.
 8. The clamping assembly of claim 7, wherein thespherical portion of the first bone pin locking member defines at leastone slot.
 9. The clamping assembly of claim 7, wherein the sphericalportion of the first bone pin locking member is configured to compresswhen the third clamp contracts.
 10. The clamping assembly of claim 1,comprising: a second fixation bolt configured to extend through thefirst end of the longitudinal member and at least a portion of thesecond clamp, wherein the second clamp includes a U-shaped clamp. 11.The clamping assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamping member furtherincludes a fourth clamp, wherein the fourth clamp is configured tocontract when the first fixation bolt is turned and the nut is pulledinto the spherical portion, the clamping assembly comprising: a secondbone pin locking member including a spherical portion, wherein thefourth clamp includes a spherical clamping surface, the sphericalclamping surface of the fourth clamp configured to receive the sphericalportion of the second bone pin locking member and form a polyaxial jointbetween the clamping member and a second bone pin.
 12. The clampingassembly of claim 1, comprising the first bone pin and the second bonepin.
 13. The clamping assembly of claim 1, comprising: the rod assembly,the rod assembly configured to secure to and extend between a firstexternal clamp assembly and a second external clamp assembly, the rodassembly including a first tubular member and a second tubular memberreceived in the first tubular member, wherein the second clampconfigured to attach to the first end of the longitudinal member andconnect to a rod assembly is configured to connect to one of the firsttubular member and the second tubular member.
 14. A metatarsal bone pinclamping assembly comprising: a longitudinal member having a first endand a second end, the second end defining a first clamp, the first clampincluding a spherical clamping surface; a U-shaped clamp configured toattach to the first end of the longitudinal member and connect to a rodassembly; a clamping member including a first end, a second end defininga spherical portion configured to expand, and a third clamp; a firstfixation bolt extending through a portion of the clamping member and thespherical portion; a nut configured to receive an end of the firstfixation bolt; and a first bone pin locking member including a sphericalportion, wherein the first clamp of the longitudinal member isconfigured to receive the second end of the clamping member, wherein thespherical clamping surface of the first clamp is configured to receivethe spherical portion and form a polyaxial joint between the clampingmember and the longitudinal member, wherein the spherical portion isconfigured to expand when the first fixation bolt is turned and the nutis pulled into the spherical portion, and wherein the third clampincludes a spherical clamping surface configured to receive thespherical portion of the first bone pin locking member and form apolyaxial joint between the clamping member and a first bone pin.
 15. Anexternal fixation system comprising: a first clamp assembly; a secondclamp assembly; a rod assembly secured to and extending between thefirst clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly, the first rodassembly including a first tubular member and a second tubular memberreceived in the first tubular member; and a bone pin clamping assemblycomprising: a longitudinal member having a first end and a second end,the second end defining a first clamp; a second clamp configured toattach to the first end of the longitudinal member and connect to therod assembly; a clamping member including a first end, a second enddefining a spherical portion, and a third clamp, wherein the first clampof the longitudinal member is configured to receive the second end ofthe clamping member.
 16. The external fixation system of claim 15,wherein the first clamp includes a spherical clamping surface, thespherical clamping surface configured to receive the spherical portionand form a polyaxial joint between the clamping member and thelongitudinal member.
 17. The external fixation system of claim 15,wherein the spherical portion is configured to expand.
 18. The externalfixation system of claim 15, comprising: a first fixation bolt extendingthrough a portion of the clamping member and the spherical portion; anda nut configured to receive an end of the first fixation bolt, whereinthe spherical portion is configured to receive the nut, and wherein thespherical portion is configured to expand when the first fixation boltis turned and the nut is pulled into the spherical portion.
 19. Theexternal fixation system of claim 18, wherein the nut is tapered, andwherein the spherical portion configured to receive the nut defines atapered aperture that tapers from a first dimension at an outer portionto a second dimension toward a center of the spherical portion, thefirst dimension larger than the second dimension.
 20. The clampingassembly of claim 15, wherein the third clamp is configured to contractwhen the first fixation bolt is turned and the nut is pulled into thespherical portion.
 21. A method for external fixation of a limb, thelimb having a first bone portion, the method comprising: securing afirst bone pin to the first bone portion; attaching a pre-assembledexternal fixation system to the first bone pin, the external fixationsystem comprising a rod assembly; securing a second bone pin to a bonein a foot; attaching a clamping assembly to the rod assembly, theclamping assembly comprising: a longitudinal member having a first endand a second end, the second end defining a first clamp; a second clampconfigured to attach to the first end of the longitudinal member andconnect to the rod assembly; a clamping member including a first end, asecond end defining a spherical portion, a bone pin locking member, anda third clamp configured to receive the bone pin locking member, whereinthe first clamp of the longitudinal member is configured to receive thesecond end of the clamping member; aligning the bone pin locking memberof the clamping assembly with the second bone pin; inserting the secondbone pin into the bone pin locking member of the clamping assembly; andsecuring the bone pin locking member of the clamping assembly to thesecond bone pin.